River Stour: Flatford to Dedham

The River Stour between Flatford and Dedham flows through the heart of Constable Country in the Dedham Vale, and the landscape has changed remarkably little since John Constable painted it repeatedly in the early 19th century. This 4.8km linear walk follows the river through water meadows past Flatford Mill and Willy Lott's Cottage, under willows and across footbridges to the village of Dedham with its fine church tower. The pastoral scenery is quintessentially English: slow water, grazing cattle, hedgerow-lined fields and the particular soft light of the Suffolk-Essex border. The terrain is entirely flat with just 38 metres of elevation change.

The Stour is a dog friendly walk at its most classic. The river is shallow and slow-moving with gravel banks where dogs can wade safely without the hazards of faster water, and the meadows provide rich scent from damp grass and wildflowers. Off-lead potential is limited as cattle and sheep graze the water meadows seasonally, requiring leads through the pastoral sections. The Boathouse café at Flatford welcomes dogs outside, and Dedham has the Sun Inn and the Marlborough Head for post-walk refreshments. The walk can be done as a return trip of 9.7km or combined with a bus back. Parking is available at Flatford car park, which fills early on summer weekends. A walk that rewards with beauty rather than physical challenge.